Becky Langley's side were looking to bounce back from their 6-1 defeat at Durham Cestria but, for the second game in a row, were made to pay for a disappointing second-half display.

It was a bright start for Newcastle, with Megan McKenzie and Imogen Longcake coming close either side of the Merseysiders hitting the bar through Carla Lee.

But the visitors grew into the game, and after Grace Donnelly had saved well from Jodie Mortimer, they went ahead as Amy Panayi slotted home in the 37th minute.

Lee made it 2-0 in the 48th minute, before missing from the spot just after the hour mark, but Mortimer and Paige Cole got their names on the scoresheet to make it 4-0.

"First half, we manipulated possession well, however lacked creativity in the final third," said manager Langley. "Second half we weren't good enough and got punished. Feds have a lot of experience and used it to their advantage."

Newcastle United Women's next game is away to Leeds United Ladies on Sunday, 22nd September.

Newcastle United Women: Grace Donnelly, Jess Hennessy, Brooke Cochrane, Ellie Mark, Courtney Lock, Beth Guy (Beth Gardener 74), Emily Tait, Abbie Gilchrist, Imogen Longcake (Jayden Maxwell 88), Megan McKenzie, Rebecca Olley

Subs not used: Victoria Curtis, Jane Harland, Ellen Packham